Pet Allergies and Dermatology

Dogs and cats typically experience three different types of allergies:

• Flea allergy: The bite of a flea on your dog or cat causes an intense allergic reaction, resulting in itchy skin. Fleas can lay up to 50 eggs a day which then turn into adult fleas within days. Because they multiply so fast, allergies can become serious quickly.

• Food allergy: An aspect of your pet's diet triggers reactions such as itchy skin, diarrhea or other gastrointestinal problems.

• Skin allergy: An allergen or foreign substance is inhaled or makes contact with the skin, causing extremely itchy skin. This can lead to skin infections or skin injuries from excessive scratching.

Other options for itch relief include:

• Antihistamines combined with essential fatty acids

• Anti-itch conditioners

• Topical steroid sprays

• Oral steroids

• Anti-itch prescriptionss

• Oral or injectable immunotherapy

• Option for a referral to a board certified veterinary dermatologist for evaluation